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Program Requirements

The Welder Foundation Harmonized program at North Island College is open entry/open exit. Completion time for a person attending full-time is maximum 28 weeks.

After successful completion of Welder Foundation Harmonized, and once employed as a registered Welder Apprentice, the candidate will receive credit for Level 1 and Level 2 technical training and 300 work based training hours. It is important that all apprentices have a minimum of 3000 work-based training hours prior to entering Level 3 technical training.

The following is a list of the courses for Welder Foundation Harmonized:

Completion Requirements

Note: Curriculum, certification and completion requirements may be subject to change as mandated by the ITA. Refer to current bulletins on the ITA website.

Admission Requirements

C in one of English 10, Composition 10, Creative Writing 10, Literary Studies 10, New Media 10, Spoken Language 10, English First Peoples Writing 10, English First Peoples Literary Studies 10, English First Peoples New Media 10, English First Peoples Spoken Language 10, NIC ENG-035, or C+ in Communications 12; or C+ in ESL-051, ESL-054 and ESL-057, or certified CLB 7; or successful completion of NIC assessment testing in English; and

High school graduation is preferred provided the applicant meets or exceeds the stated prerequisites.

To Be Successful

You are encouraged to contact the instructor for an in-person or telephone interview. The purpose of the interview is to provide advice, answer questions about the program and discuss various career fields and choices.

Many employers require Grade 12 completion as an employment standard. If you do not meet this requirement we encourage you to contact an educational advisor to discuss upgrading or Grade 12 completion options offered at NIC. In addition to the stated prerequisites secondary school equivalent courses in math, science, physics and drafting are considered an asset.

The most important key to success is the desire to become a quality trades person. The traditional values of hard work, reliability, positive attitude and the desire to do quality work are essential to succeed in the program.

Trades programs require good hand-eye coordination, good binocular vision, strong abilities in spatial and mechanical reasoning along with good math and communication skills.

There is also an expectation of physical activities such as lifting, working on ladders and scaffolding or in confined spaces and under various weather conditions.

You will be required to stay focused for prolonged periods.

Other Welding Training

NIC offers Welding Skills Development courses to qualified welders. Contact Welding Admissions at the Campbell River or Port Alberni campuses for scheduling and fees.

Terry Waters

Program Highlights

NIC follows the new provincial welding training program introduced by the ITA as of January 2014.

The 28-week Welder Foundation Harmonized Certificate covers Level 1 and Level 2 apprenticeship technical training. On completion, you will write the ITA standardized level exam for a certificate of completion. Successful students will also receive an NIC Welder Foundation Harmonized certificate.

The Welder Foundation Harmonized Certificate prepares you for entry-level employment in industrial manufacturing, welding and fabrication shops. You will be introduced to a variety of welding techniques, layout and fabrication, basic metallurgy, drawing for welding and occupational skills.

Following successful completion of this program and upon entering an apprenticeship, you will be eligible to receive technical training credit for Levels 1 and Level 2, plus 300 work-based hours toward your welding apprenticeship requirements.

Career Opportunities

The welding trade is found in a wide variety of industries, which results in many potential career paths and opportunities. Welding is essential to the forest, fishing, aquaculture, agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, construction and maintenance industries in every part of the country. There is tremendous potential for career advancement for bright, motivated and talented trades persons.

ASME Welder Performance Qualification Testing

NIC's welding centres are authorized testing stations for the Boiler Branch. Qualified welders may challenge Welder Performance Qualification tests in accordance with the Power Engineers and Boiler and Pressure Vessels Safety Act regulations and directives, subject to available space. Welding Performance tests are incorporated in the following courses: WPW-007 and WPW-010.

Tuition & Costs Estimate

Costs indicated are estimates for a 100% course load per year, unless otherwise noted. Additional fees may also include necessary equipment, supplies, NIC appointed uniforms, or field trips not included in these estimates.

While we do our best to share accurate and timely fee information, changes may occur. For more information, visit our tuition page.